Parents and students urge review of extracurricular practice and cancellation policies amid coach suspensions

Public commenters at the May 13 Garrett County Board of Education meeting raised concerns about recent suspensions of coaches, the district's handling of related communications, and district policies on optional outside practices and cancellations.

Several speakers — including current student-athletes and parents — asked the board to allow principals to make regional decisions about after-school activities when weather affects only part of the county. They said optional outside practices run by community clubs or coaches who also coach for the schools have been common and helpful for student development and scholarships. Commenters said the district handbook language allowing principals to permit activities when conditions have alleviated has not consistently been followed; they urged the board to revisit the policy so local judgment can guide decisions.

Students at the meeting said coach suspensions have affected team morale and college/prep opportunities; the board president reminded speakers that personnel matters and pending appeals are excluded from public comment and cannot be discussed in detail during the meeting. Several speakers requested the written policy on cancellations and activities; board staff displayed the district procedure on the meeting screen and told speakers they could follow up with the executive board for further discussion.

The board did not take action during public comment; members acknowledged receipt of concerns and said the topics may be taken up outside the public-comment period or at a future meeting consistent with personnel rules and pending appeal processes.